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A top-10 protected 2024 first-round selection, as well as a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, were acquired by the Boston Bruins from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for winger Tyler Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi, 28, has played in only 29 games this season but has four goals and 14 points. He has a $4.75 million cap hit, with the Red Wings keeping half of it.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, the Red Wings and Bertuzzi haven’t talked about a contract extension since December. Bertuzzi had a breakout season in 2021-22, tallying 30 goals and 32 assists in 61 games. He’s in the last year of a two-year, $9.5 million deal. In 305 NHL games with the Red Wings, the Sudbury, Ontario native has 88 goals and 202 points.
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According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the Bruins’ decision to sign Bertuzzi was influenced by injuries in their lineup. Taylor Hall, a winger, is seeking a second opinion for a lower-body ailment that will decide how much time he will lose. Last week, the NHL-leading Bruins made their first move ahead of the deadline, acquiring Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway from the Washington Capitals.
The transactions come just one day after the Red Wings looked to cement their position as sellers with a trade that sent defenseman Filip Hronek to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for draught selections on Wednesday. On Wednesday, the Red Wings signed captain Dylan Larkin, who was a potential unrestricted free agent, to an eight-year deal. The Red Wings have dropped to five points behind the last wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference, which they held last week, after a three-game losing streak.
The Bruins, on the other hand, are struggling with some injury issues. They placed forward Taylor Hall on long-term injured reserve and forward Nick Foligno on injured reserve after acquiring Bertuzzi. While addressing to media on Thursday, general manager Don Sweeney would not rule out either player undergoing surgery.
The Boston Bruins (47-8-5) have 99 points in 60 games, 13 more than the Carolina Hurricanes. Bertuzzi has four goals and 14 points in 29 games this season. He scored career-highs with 30 goals and 62 points last season.
Since a number of younger players, notably Michael Rasmussen, Jonatan Berggren, and Joe Veleno, took on greater roles this season, the Red Wings felt comfortable making this move. In making this move, general manager Steve Yzerman is counting on the fact that he has more forward depth than at any previous point during his stint overseeing hockey operations for the organization.
The Red Wings are attempting to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16 when they completed their record 25-year postseason streak. Detroit is five points out of the playoffs, but lost ground this week after being swept in a home-and-home series by the Ottawa Senators. The Senators are also vying for a wild-card spot.
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